4 Nights Lost World of Sabah

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Is there a place just like Jurassic Park? A place where there is a rich ecology, teeming with wildlife with little human interventions? There is and it is called Maliau Basin.

Source: Bornean Biodiversity and Ecosystems Conservation

Maliau Basin, surrounded by cliffs and steep slopes, is a hidden paradise of flora, fauna and geology located in south-central Sabah. Bigger than the size of Singapore, this 390 square kilometer 'basin' was designated as a conservation area in 1981 by Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah),. It has been highly marketed as "The Lost World of Sabah" due to its relatively unexplored terrains. The deep virgin jungle terrain with at least 19 waterfalls found here calls out to any intrepid jungle and wildlife seeker to experience a different ecology of Borneo jungles. Maliau Basin Conservation Area is perfect for jungle trekking, bird watching, nature photography, night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife, swimming or just simply experiencing the thrill of being in a truly unspoilt wilderness. With over 70km of marked trails, only about one third of Maliau is open to visitors and less than half the Basin has been explored by researchers so far. The rivers here which eventually flow out to the Kinabatangan river are covered with frothy foam from the saponins and tannins, and the water is a clear reddish brown colour.

The camps here vary from rough shelters to purpose built buildings with shower and toilet facilities and generators for lighting etc. Be prepared for some tough trekking, with many steep ascents and descents!

Rates (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)

Valid until February 2012

Group size

Rate

2 to 3

4720

4 to 8

3440

9 to 14

2900

Above 15

2600

Children 11 years and below, 25% off from rates above.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kota Kinabalu – Maliau Basin Conservation Area (B, L & D)
0700hrs Pickup from hotel and travel for about 2hrs drive to Keningau Town through Crocker Range; enjoy the scenic mountainous countryside view.
0900hrs Expected to arrive at Keningau town, visit local coffee shop for a drinks and collect your packed lunch for consumption along the journey.
0930hrs Continue journey to Maliau Basin, part of the road are gravel and bumpy.
1300hrs Expected to arrive at Maliau Basin Information Gallery, take a 20mins rest and get the overall information and understanding of Maliau Basin – Sabah’s Lost World.
1400hrs Proceed to Maliau Basin Studies Center (MBSC) for Registration and Check-in.
1530hrs Visit Maliau “SkyBridge” and explore the Nature Trail.
1730hrs Return to Lodge and Leisure Time.
1930hrs Dinner at MBSC.
2000hrs Video Presentation which give you a brief introduction to Maliau Basin Conservation Area.
2030hrs Night Drive in search of nocturnal wildlife.
2130hrs Return to Lodge and get a good night rest.
0000hrs Light off.

Day 2 Maliau Basin Conservation Area – Agathis Camp – Nephenthes Camp (B, L & D)
0700hrs After breakfast proceed for a 30mins drive to Agathis Camp for the trekking to begin.
0830hrs Briefing by the ranger before the 7km trekking start. The trek from Agathis to Nephenthes Camp (Also known as Camel Trophy Camp) is about a 5-6 hours trek over the rim of the basin, the first 2 hours uphill trek is the challenging part of this adventure journey. Simple packed lunch along the trails.
1330hrs Expected to arrive at Nephenthes Camp. Basic facility to be provided at the camp.
1400hrs Leisure / If you are fit enough for another trekking, continue to the Takop Akop waterfall which is about 2.5km away from the camp or the Giluk waterfall which is closer journey. You can also visit the both if the time is permissible.
1900hrs Dinner / Rest.

Day 3 Nephenthes – Maliau Waterfall – Ginseng Camp (B, L & D)
0700hrs Breakfast. Visit the 33m high Observation Tower, enjoy the majestic view and birding from the tower.
0830hrs Pack up your stuff and collect the packed lunch for the 6km journey to Junction between Maliau Waterfall and Ginseng Camp.
1200hrs Expected to arrive at Junction. Stop for lunch and rest.
1300hrs Proceed for a 4.5km downhill trek to Maliau Waterfall. Along the trails you will pass by Lobah Camp which give you an awesome panoramic view of Maliau Basin rim.
1500hrs Expected to arrive at Maliau Waterfall. Maliau waterfall is a spectacular seven-tiered waterfall cascading over and over into Maliau River, the highest fall of which is a magnificent 28m fall.
1600hrs Depart Maliau fall and return to Ginseng Camp via the same trails. It takes about 5km to Ginseng Camp from Maliau waterfall.
1830hrs Expected to arrive at Ginseng Camp. Take a good rest, shower and freshen up.
1930hrs Dinner and Leisure.

Day 4 Ginseng – Agathis – Maliau Basin Studies Centre (B, L & D)
0700hrs Breakfast.
0800hrs Pack your stuff and boxed lunch and start for a 9km trekking journey to Agathis Camp.
1400hrs Expected to arrive at Agathis Camp. Wait for the transport to transfer you back to Studies Centre.
After arrival, check in to the rest house and leisure.
1900hrs Dinner. (Optional night trails)

Day 5 Maliau Basin Conservation Area – Kota Kinabalu (B & L)
0700hrs Breakfast.
0800hrs Depart centre and stopover at the 4-storey Observation Tower for a final picture of the Maliau Rim.
1200hrs Expected to arrive Keningau Town. Stop for a local lunch before continue journey to Kota Kinabalu.
1600hrs Expected to arrive at Kota Kinabalu.

What is included?

What is excluded?

flights, insurance

Special permission is needed and separate charges are levied for professional photography or filming.
Porter Services – can be engaged at the Agathis Camp. Trekkers are encouraged to carry their own backpack.
Personal Porter will assist trekkers and provide general help around the camp.
Maximum of 12 KG per porter.
Charges- RM100.00 per day.

What to wear or bring?

Personal hygiene, good foot care and pleasant disposition provides a great outdoor experience.

Getting There

Source: Malaxi

Maliau Basin Conservation Area is reachable by road either via Tawau or Keningau. The journey is on four wheel drive and the duration depends on the weather as most of the journey is on logging roads to reach the Maliau Basin Security Gate.

Journey from both Tawau and Keningau to the Security Gate of Maliau Basin Conservation takes 5 hours; the distance from Tawau to Maliau Basin Conservation Security Gate is 190 kilometers.